Two mosquito samples test positive for West Nile Virus in San Joaquin County

STOCKTON -- Two mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus in San Joaquin County, according to officials.

By The Record

recordnet.com

By The Record

Posted May. 29, 2014 at 4:00 PM

By The Record

Posted May. 29, 2014 at 4:00 PM

» Social News

STOCKTON -- Two mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus in San Joaquin County, according to officials.

The positive samples were found in zip code 95219 along the west side of Interstate 5.

These are the first samples of mosquitoes testing positive for the disease, according to the San Joaquin County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

A dead bird discovered March 13 was found with the disease, the earliest detection of the disease in the county.

“West Nile virus is here to stay, so it is imperative that people take necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites as well as removing standing water on their properties where mosquitoes develop,” said Aaron Devencenzi, Public Information Officer with the District.

The district plans to expand surveillance and control of local mosquito populations on all private and public lands in the county, including ground and aerial spraying when necessary.

To reduce the risk of exposure to the disease, people should eliminate all sources of standing water; apply insect repellent containing the active ingredients DEET of Picaridin; avoid spending time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, at dawn and dusk and especially the first two hours after sunset; wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors; ensure screens on home windows are tight fitting and have no holes.

People with horses should have them inoculated against the disease, which can be fatal to them.

Most people who acquire the disease have no symptoms. Others have mild flulike symptoms. Still others have severe reactions, including swelling of the brain that can cause death.

For more information, contact the district at (209) 982-4675 or go to www.sjmosquito.org.

Report dead birds of squirrels to the state by calling (877) 968-2473 or going online to www.westnile.ca.gov.